WINNIPEG -- The Winnipeg Football Club launched the Stadium 2012 Season Ticket Transfer Program, announced ticket pricing, and detailed the amenities of the new stadium at a press conference today. Club executives also introduced the virtual video of the state-of-the-art facility and provided construction updates.

“The Winnipeg Football Club is pleased to announce an organized, fair and fan-focused program for current season ticket holders,” said Jeff Thompson, Chief Transition Officer of the Winnipeg Football Club.

“As a way of thanking all 21,155 ticket holders for their ongoing commitment, we are today introducing the first phase of the Stadium 2012 Ticket Transfer Program, where we are focused on getting them familiarized with the new stadium using the Virtual Venue.”

All 21,155 Winnipeg Blue Bombers season ticket holders are receiving confirmation letters explaining the Virtual Venue seat selection tool, an interactive 3D animation at www.bluebombers.com that allows anyone to virtually explore seats, sections, prices and views in the future home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are the first CFL team to use the Virtual Venue.

Current season ticket holders must secure their intent for a 2012 season ticket with a $50.00 deposit by October 24. In the second phase of the program, fans will have between November and March to select their actual seats. Season tickets for the general public will go on sale in April 2012.

“In addition to the transfer program, we’ve been working hard to ensure the amenities, services and every detail of the new stadium – right down to the sunken bowl design and how the concession food is served – will offer an ultimate fan experience that is affordable, comfortable and accessible.”

Of the many amenities Thompson highlighted, the stadium will feature two 30-feet high by 110-feet wide video boards. All washrooms will be audio-equipped and 250 video monitors throughout the stadium to ensure no plays are missed.

There will be twice as many washrooms than the current facility, at 28 in all and split evenly between men’s and women’s. All washrooms will be wheelchair accessible. Six elevators, more leg room and a larger, modern design will offer overall a much more pleasant stadium experience.

“We are hitting affordability, comfort and accessibility on all levels, including an expanded family section, a design that provides fans with the convenience of a main-concourse level entry, and price points for every Manitoban,” Thompson said.

“Our introductory price point for season tickets is just $17.90 per game. This was the most important decision we made – fair pricing for fans and the community.”

The WFC announced that it is committed more than ever to offering the ultimate live game experience to everyone.

“As part of the Winnipeg Football Club’s commitment to affordability and accessibility, we are currently working with our corporate partners, and together we’ll be expanding our community programming to ensure the kids, parents and groups who can’t afford games will be very welcome at Stadium 2012,” he said.

“We look forward to announcing these programs soon.” Thompson also provided updates on premium seating sales at the new stadium.

“Based on the continued strong backing of our corporate community partners, we are announcing today that the full inventory of 46 luxury suites, the two suite level Blue & Gold Suites and the 100-level loges are sold out. At this time, interested parties can be added to a waiting list at pseat@bluebombers.com.”

Ossama AbouZeid, WFC Interim CEO, spoke about the stadium construction site at the University of Manitoba.

“I’m very pleased to announce that construction for Stadium 2012 is on target and on budget,” AbouZeid said. “We look forward to opening a first-class facility next summer that will make Manitobans and Winnipeggers proud.”

The future home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the University of Manitoba Bisons football team is scheduled to open the summer of 2012 on the campus of the University of Manitoba. The stadium will be capable of hosting large-scale, sports and entertainment events as well as more intimate gatherings.

Seating capacity will be 33,500, with the ability to expand to more than 40,000 seats.